(The Epoch Times)—A significant share of Americans believe they may never retire, with 43 percent admitting they see themselves working until death, financial services company WalletHub said in a Sept. 2 survey.
“50 percent of people don’t think it’s realistic for the average American to expect to retire comfortably,” WalletHub said.
“These concerns aren’t unfounded, given the heavy debt burden many households carry, the lack of adequate savings, and the uncertainty surrounding the future of government benefits.”
For instance, the average American household held $152,653 in debt by the end of the second quarter of 2025, WalletHub said last month, based on data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
Meanwhile, the personal savings rate has been hovering below the 5 percent level since 2022, a stark contrast to pre-2022, when the rate remained mostly above this level, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis data.
In the WalletHub survey, two out of five respondents said they felt anxious when thinking about retirement. One in four said they don’t have a retirement plan.
A quarter of respondents said they are counting on family members to support them financially once they retire.
“Most Americans (53 percent) think paying off debt is more important than making retirement contributions,” WalletHub said.
The survey was conducted online among 200 respondents nationwide.
A May 1 report from investment company State Street had also made similar findings—that Americans were worried about preparing for retirement.
However, respondents in the survey expressed higher confidence regarding retirement, it said.
“Americans’ overall confidence in their ability to retire at some point improved by eight percentage points, from 54 percent to 62 percent, with certain demographic groups showing particular optimism,” said the report.
“Young people were more likely to plan to fully retire, with 75 percent of those respondents between the ages of 18 and 34 expecting they will do so completely—perhaps not surprising, given the longer runway ahead and a less clear picture of what will be required to make it to retirement.”
Best Places to Retire
A key factor for a good retirement is where people choose to spend their life after retiring. Locations that are affordable and have a good quality of life and health care would be optimal for this stage.
A Sept. 2 WalletHub report compared the retirement friendliness of more than 180 American cities in 45 metrics such as cost of living and health infrastructure.
Orlando, Florida, topped the list as the best city for retirees, followed by Scottsdale, Arizona, and Minneapolis, Minnesota. Miami and Tampa took the remaining two of the top five spots.
“It’s important to choose wisely when picking where to retire, as many retirees are on a fixed income,” said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo.
“As a result, the best cities for retired people are those that minimize taxes and expenses, as well as have good opportunities for retirees to continue paid work for extra income, if they choose to do so.
“In addition, the top cities provide high-quality health care and offer plenty of enjoyable activities for retirees.”
According to a June 18 post by the Investment Company Institute, total U.S. retirement assets amounted to $43.4 trillion as of March 31, accounting for 34 percent of household financial assets.
Assets in individual retirement accounts made up $16.8 trillion out of the $43.4 trillion. Defined contribution plan assets accounted for $12.2 trillion.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration is taking action to protect the retirement benefits of millions of Social Security beneficiaries.
During Aug. 25 remarks to reporters at the Oval Office, President Donald Trump emphasized that he would not touch Social Security when it comes to congressional cost-cutting proposals.
“One thing I said and I gave my word—we’re not going to hurt anybody on Medicaid, Medicare, or Social Security,” he said. “We’re doing great on Social Security,” and “we’re going to protect it.”
According to Social Security Administration data, there were 69.9 million Social Security beneficiaries as of July, out of which 53.17 million were retired workers.
How to Prepare for Food Emergencies if You Don’t Have a Homestead or Bunker
In an unpredictable world, where supply chain disruptions, natural disasters, or economic instability can strike without warning, having a reliable food supply is more than just smart—it’s essential for survival. Whether you’re a “prepper” or not, we all know the golden rule: self-sufficiency is key. But what if you’re living in an apartment, working long hours, or simply don’t have the land to turn into a thriving homestead? Don’t worry; there’s a practical, effective way to build your food security without needing acres of soil or a fortified bunker.
The Ideal Prep: Building Your Own Food Empire
The ultimate dream for any serious prepper is controlling your own food production. Imagine waking up to a sprawling garden bursting with fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs—tomatoes ripening on the vine, potatoes ready to harvest, and greens that provide nutrition year-round. Add in livestock like chickens for eggs and meat, and you’ve got a self-sustaining system that keeps your family fed no matter what chaos unfolds outside.
This approach isn’t just about calories; it’s about resilience. A well-maintained garden can yield hundreds of pounds of produce annually, while a small flock of chickens might produce dozens of eggs weekly. It’s empowering, cost-effective in the long run, and teaches invaluable skills like crop rotation, animal husbandry, and preservation techniques. If you have the space, time, and resources, starting small and scaling up is the best path to true independence.
The Reality Check: Not Everyone Can Homestead
But let’s face it—not all of us are in a position to go full homesteader. Urban dwellers might be limited to a balcony or community plot that’s far from sufficient for long-term needs. Busy professionals juggling jobs, families, and daily life often lack the hours required for daily tending. And for those in apartments, condos, or regions with harsh climates, raising livestock or maintaining a large garden simply isn’t feasible. Factors like zoning laws, soil quality, water access, or even physical limitations can make this ideal out of reach.
That’s where the frustration sets in. You want to be prepared, but without a homestead or bunker, how do you ensure your pantry doesn’t run dry during a prolonged crisis? The good news is, you don’t have to sacrifice your preparedness goals. There’s a smart, accessible alternative that bridges the gap: investing in high-quality, long-term storage food.
The Smart Alternative: Long-Term Storage Food from Heaven’s Harvest
Long-term storage food is designed for exactly these scenarios—providing nutrient-dense, shelf-stable meals that last for decades without refrigeration or special conditions. It’s the perfect solution for preppers who can’t rely on fresh production but still demand reliability and variety in their emergency stockpile.
At Heaven’s Harvest, they specialize in premium survival food kits that make preparedness effortless. Their products are crafted with the prepper mindset in mind: non-GMO, made in the USA, and packed with real ingredients that taste like home-cooked meals, not bland rations. Whether you’re stocking up for a short-term blackout or a long-haul SHTF event, our kits offer:
- Extended Shelf Life: Up to 25 years of storage, so you can buy once and forget about rotation worries.
- Nutritional Balance: High-protein entrees, fruits, vegetables, and dairy alternatives to keep your energy up and health intact.
- Ease of Preparation: Just add water, and you’ve got hearty meals like beef stroganoff, chili mac, or cheesy lasagna ready in minutes—no garden weeding required.
- Customizable Options: From individual buckets to family-sized kits, scale your supply to fit your needs and budget.
- Peace of Mind: Sealed in durable, waterproof containers that protect against pests, moisture, and light.
Unlike generic store-bought cans that spoil quickly or lack variety, Heaven’s Harvest focuses on quality and sustainability. Our food is freeze-dried or dehydrated to lock in flavor and nutrients, ensuring you’re not just surviving but thriving. And for those concerned about allergens or dietary preferences, we offer gluten-free and vegetarian options to keep everyone covered.
Why Wait? Secure Your Food Supply Today
Preparing for food emergencies doesn’t require a homestead or bunker—it requires action. By choosing long-term storage food from Heaven’s Harvest, you’re taking control in a way that fits your lifestyle. Start small with a 72-hour kit to test the waters, or go all-in with a year’s supply for ultimate security.
Visit Heaven’s Harvest today and use code “PATRIOT” for an exclusive discount on your order. Don’t let limitations hold you back; build your resilient future, one meal at a time. Your family will thank you when it matters most.
